The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is partnering with The Trail Conservancy (TTC) to analyze and review the signage along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. This project is in the plan development stage. City Council Districts 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10

Examples of signs posted on the Trail at Auditorium Shores. Closest sign shows 0 mile marker for Butler Trail with map showing trail route; sign in background shows 0.5 mile.

Project Description

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is undergoing a Comprehensive Signage review that will produce a list of recommendations for consistent signage and wayfinding directing visitors to and along the trail. New signage will improve connections between areas along the trail, including trailheads, parks, and other community areas. The project aims to enhance the trail experience without detracting from the natural beauty, highlighting natural systems and educating users about the systems’ functions. Improved wayfinding will increase safety on the trail and promote The Trail Conservancy’s new identity as its primary steward with increased branding. New signage would present information simply and uniformly, using clear fonts and simple design, and inclusive to Austin’s diverse communities with multilingual text.

Anticipated Timeline

  • Summer 2023: Inventory and Analysis phase (complete)
  • Fall 2023: Concept through Schematic Design (complete)
  • Spring & summer 2024: Comprehensive Plan Development and Pilot Signage (in progress)

Community Engagement

For more information on upcoming engagement opportunities, visit the The Trail Conservancy's project page.

Previous

  • Comprehensive Signage Pop-ups:
    • June 24, 2023 at Auditorium Shores and Festival Beach
    • November 4, 2023 at Johnson Creek Trailhead and Festival Beach
    • November 14, 2023 at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
    • November 16, 2023 at Joe's Bakery
    • November 29, 2023 at Mendez Recreation Center
    • May 4, 2024, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Auditorium Shores
    • May 7, 2024, 5 to 7 p.m., Auditorium Shores
    • May 9, 2024, 5 to 7 p.m., Festival Beach
    • May 18, 2024, 9 to 11 a.m., Festival Beach
    • May 21, 2024, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Festival Beach
  • Community Online Surveys
    • Online Survey | Encuesta en español (closed)
    • Community Online Survey #1: Closed July 12, 2023
    • Community Online Survey #2: Closed December 4, 2023
    • Community Online Survey #3: Closed June 9, 2024
  • Focus group for all-ability advocates: April 4, 2024

Results

Community Engagement Report for Phase 2: Concept through Schematic Design (PDF)

Community Engagement Report for Phase 3: Concept through Schematic Design (PDF)

Full Data Sets (.csv format):

Funding and Resources

This project is funded by The Trail Conservancy.

Contact Information 

For more information about this project, please contact PARD Program Development Coordinator Elizabeth Barnes by email or phone at (512) 974-9483.